Abstract
International research has documented significant mental health challenges among autistic adults, often attributed to autism itself rather than to social determinants. Few studies, however, have examined these determinants in the South African context. This study explored the prevalence of discrimination, social support, and wellbeing, as well as the relationships between these variables, among autistic adults in South Africa. 97 participants completed a cross-sectional online survey comprising the Discrimination and Stigma Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Most participants reported moderate experienced discrimination, high anticipated discrimination, moderate perceived social support, and moderate wellbeing. Anticipated discrimination predicted poorer wellbeing, whereas social support predicted greater wellbeing but did not moderate the relationship between either experienced or anticipated discrimination and wellbeing. These findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination and to strengthen support systems for autistic adults.